Big Fat Lie

Big Fat Lie
Studio album by Nicole Scherzinger
Released October 17, 2014 (2014-10-17)
Recorded 2013–2014
Genre
Length 43:59
Label RCA
Producer
Nicole Scherzinger chronology
Killer Love
(2011)		 Big Fat Lie
(2014)
Singles from Big Fat Lie
  1. "Your Love"
    Released: May 30, 2014
  2. "Run"
    Released: September 30, 2014
  3. "On the Rocks"
    Released: October 10, 2014
  4. "Bang"
    Released: December 15, 2014[1]

Big Fat Lie is the second studio album by American singer Nicole Scherzinger, released on October 17, 2014 by RCA Records. Scherzinger began working on the record in the summer of 2013, enlisting Terius "The-Dream" Nash and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart to executively produce the album with Felix Snow, Bart Schoudel, Chris "TEK" O'Ryan and Carlos McKinney also contributing.

"Your Love" was released as the lead single from Big Fat Lie on May 30, 2014. It debuted at number six on the UK Singles Chart, and had moderate success in other international markets. "Run" was sent to US contemporary hit radio stations on September 30 as the album's lead single whilst the "On the Rocks" was released on October 10 elsewhere. "Run" was subsequently released in the UK.

Background

Scherzinger left Interscope Records and signed a multi-album deal with Sony Music through RCA Records. She also left her judging role on the UK version of The X Factor to focus on the new album.

Following the end of the ninth series of the UK edition of The X Factor, Scherzinger shifted her focus on her second studio album.[2] In March, she released "Boomerang" as the lead single from the project, and it managed to peak at number six on the UK Singles Chart.[3] According to Scherzinger, will.i.am served as the executive producer of the album and worked with songwriter-producers Afro Jack, Dallas Austin, Toby Gad and Sandy Vee who produced "Boomerang".[4] Whilst planning to release the new album worldwide in November, Scherzinger unveiled that she had doubts about returning for the tenth series of The X Factor as the promotion for the album would clash with the live stages of the singing competition.[5] She ultimately decided to return as a judge, which put the release on hold.[5][6]

When asked why "Boomerang" wouldn't appear on the album, she responded: "It's just going to remain a stand-alone single. In fact I did an entire album that belongs with "Boomerang". It had its own family. Unfortunately I don't know if those songs will ever be heard." She also revealed that she had recorded five albums between the release of her debut and second album, which were all scrapped.[7]

In January 2014, it was announced that Scherzinger signed a multi-album deal with Sony Records imprint label, RCA Records. She left her long-time label, Interscope Records. For the second album, Scherzinger collaborated with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart who executive produced the record whilst a lead single would be released in the summer.[8] In February, Scherzinger left The X Factor because she wanted to work on the new album. Sessions with The Dream and Tricky Stewart began in the summer of 2013 in Los Angeles. According to Scherzinger, "the music started to come naturally, without any outside influence, without any labels, just for us, just for music's sake."[9]

Release

On September 16, 2014, Scherzinger revealed the track listing for Big Fat Lie through Instagram via a crossword puzzle that fans had to solve.[10] Later she unveiled the album artwork along with the title for the standard and deluxe versions of the album; the black-and-white image depicts a close-up image of Scherzinger tussling her hair. Mike Wass of Idolator noted that the image "screams early Janet Jackson."[11] It was made available the same day for pre-order through the iTunes Store and it was confirmed that it would be released on October 17, 2014.[12]

Composition

Unlike her previous album Killer Love (2011); Big Fat Lie is a departure from the dance-pop sound for the most part, for a more R&B sound, a return to her original sound with some new elements added as well. The only full-out dance-pop song on the album is "Your Love", and on the deluxe version, "Cold World". The rest of the songs are a mix of "urban" pop, R&B, soul, and even some experimental PBR&B on the song "Heartbreaker". Nicole's vocals on the songs "Heartbreaker" and "Electric Blue" in particular, were compared to those of Janet Jackson. "Electric Blue" was compared to Janet Jackson's album The Velvet Rope (1997) for the similar production, and Nicole's sweet, soft, soothing, silky, sexy, smooth vocals. The song "Bang" was compared to the work of Ciara, specifically her Basic Instinct album (2010), which both The-Dream and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart also produced. "Just a Girl" is a "throwback to 90's R&B" with its production. "Girl With a Diamond Heart" mixes dance-pop and R&B. "First Time" is features a more traditional pop and R&B sound. "Little Boy" is a soulful ballad that is mostly free of a beat to put the focus on Nicole's vocals and lyrics. It was described as one of the most soulful songs on the album, and a mistake to only have it on the deluxe version of the album. In sound, it is similar to The-Dream's own song "Fancy", and Kelly Rowland's song "Keep It Between Us". The lyrics speak of wanting somebody that you can't have, and wanting them so much that you forget what you have already. "Unison" is a "feel good" chilled R&B track. "God of War" is a dark "angry" R&B-ish ballad, similar to the work of The Weeknd. Many of the songs incorporate The-Dream's own style into them with some new styles as well. Many liked what The-Dream did with Nicole and her music, while others criticized it for being outdated and too generic. Scherzinger said that songs from Big Fat Lie are pop and R&B with more urban influences than her previous album.[13] She cited The Velvet Rope (1997), the sixth studio album by fellow American R&B singer Janet Jackson and Sade as major influences.[14] She further elaborated that the album is "vibey, it's cool, it's got a lot of soul and it's a very personal album to me."[13]

Promotion

To promote the album, Scherzinger made several media interviews on TV, radio…She starred covers of various magazines. Scherzinger first performed "Your Love" on the British chat show Alan Carr: Chatty Man on June 13, 2014.[15] At the Isle of MTV festival in Malta, Scherzinger performed "Your Love" along with a number of songs which included songs from her former group The Pussycat Dolls. She performed while wearing black leather shorts and gold body chains and was accompanied by male and female dancers.[16] Scherzinger also promoted the single in the UK performing on such shows as The One Show, Loose Women and Lorraine (TV programme). Other promotion consisted of interviews and live acoustic performances on radio stations such as Kiss FM and 4Music.

The first televised performance of "Run" was on Access Hollywood Live on October 1.[17] The following day, several songs of the album were played at a spin class at SoulCycle studios in New York.[18] On October 6, she traveled to France and appeared in Le Mag and Touche pas à mon poste!.[19] On October 14, 2014 Scherzinger gave a private concert at the Hotel Cafe Royal in London, where she sang an acoustic version of her new album. On the day of its release, she held an album signing at an HMV store in Oxford Street.[20] On October 22, 2014, Scherzinger performed "On the Rocks" at the MOBO Awards, wearing a top, trousers and high heels.[21] She also performed the song on shows such as This Morning (TV programme), Surprise Surprise (TV series) and Sunday Night at the Palladium. On 12 December 2014, Scherzinger performed 'Run' on The Graham Norton Show. On 16 November 2014, Scherziger performed "Run" on the eleventh series of The X Factor where she received praise for her great vocals. Although the performance was very simple with limited lighting, the original version had lasers as light effect as indicated Scherzinger in her Instagram account, but due to technical problems, could not be used. In addition, Scherzinger appeared at the Live Free Radio Birmingham festival on November 29 .She also performed at the KEY 103 Christmas Live festival, on December 4, 2014. She went to Azerbaijan to perform at the Adrenaline Festival of Azerbaijan.[22] She also sang in France, at Saint-Etienne [23] and at the Energy Stars For Free festival, organized by NRJ radio and held at the Hallenstadion in Zurich where Scherzinger interpreted "Your Love", "Run" and "Don’t Hold Your Breath".[24] Scherzinger also appeared at the Newcastle Metro Radio's Christmas Live festival. An acoustic set was held in the USA for Perez Hilton, where she sang "Run"[25] and Sam Smith’s "Stay with me". On December 15, 2014, through her VEVO channel, Scherzinger released a music video for the song "Bang" [26] to introduce her to the US market. During the short clip, Nicole plays with shadows, silhouettes, symmetries and demonstrates her skills hip-hop dancing skills. In February 2015 Scherzinger gave a concert in the Chaos club in Manila, Philippines after performing at a private wedding in India [27]

Singles

"Your Love" was released as the lead single from Big Fat Lie on May 30, 2014.[28] It generally received positive reviews from music critics who complimented the song's catchy chorus.[29] The song peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart and received moderate success in other international markets.[30] The accompanying music video was directed by Dawn Shadforth and sees Scherzinger frolicking at a beach in Malibu, California.[31]

"Run" was released and impacted contemporary hit radio stations on September 30 as the second single worldwide and the lead single in the US.[32][33][34] The third single, "On the Rocks", was released on October 10, 2014 as the second single in the UK.[35] The song received negative reviews from music critics, criticizing the outdated production and the use of Auto-Tune.[36][37] The accompanying black-and-white music video was released on September 5 and depicts Scherzinger confronting her boyfriend before running outside the house liberating herself.[38]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[39]
Digital Spy[40]
MTV UK[41]
The Times[42]

Big Fat Lie received largely average or mixed reviews. Theo Watt of MTV UK described the Big Fat Lie as a "very like able record" and applauded the singer for putting her "life and insecurities on a record."[41] In a more mixed reiew Lewis Corner of Digital Spy wrote that none of the songs quite showcase her "flying vocal range, sharp choreography and glorious demeanor." He ended the review saying that the album "reaches for something it can't quite accomplish."[40] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic found that the album's production "isn't particularly distinctive" and criticized Tricky Stewart and The-Dream for not bringing "their A game." He ended the review writing, "There's nothing embarrassing about their work here but there's nothing memorable, and that suits a singer who has yet to strike a memorable pose in a decade of trying."[39]

Commercial performance

Big Fat Lie was not as successful as Scherzinger's previous album. It first appeared on the Irish Album Chart at number 39.[43] On the UK Albums Chart, the album entered at number 17 selling 4,606 copies in its first week; marking her second top-twenty album. The album fell to number 72 the following week spending only 2 weeks in the top 100.[44] Big Fat Lie also appeared on the lower regions of Belgium (Wallonia) (number 156),[45] France (number 108)[46] and Switzerland (number 95).[47]

Track listing

Big Fat Lie — Standard edition[12]
No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
1. "Your Love"  
 4:06
2. "Electric Blue" (featuring T.I.)
  • Nash
  • Stewart
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
  • Schoudel[a]
 3:41
3. "On the Rocks"  
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
  • McKinney
  • Schoudel[a]
 5:07
4. "Heartbreaker"  
  • Nash
  • Stewart
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
  • Chris "Tek" O'Ryan[a]
 4:59
5. "God of War"  
  • Nash
  • Stewart
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
  • O'Ryan[a]
 3:57
6. "Girl with a Diamond Heart"  
  • Nash
  • Stewart
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
  • O'Ryan[a]
 3:38
7. "Just a Girl"  
  • Nash
  • Stewart
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
  • Schoudel[a]
 3:26
8. "First Time"  
  • Nash
  • Stewart
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
 3:19
9. "Bang"  
  • Nash
  • Stewart
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
  • Schoudel[a]
 4:27
10. "Big Fat Lie"  
  • Godz of Analog
  • Stewart
  • Nash
  • Schoudel[a]
 3:49
11. "Run"  
 3:30
Total length:
 43:59
Notes[49]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Big Fat Lie.[49]

  • Alejandro Baima – assistant engineering (track 11)
  • Kevin "KD" Davis – mixing (track 4)
  • Manny Dominick – additional percussion (track 1)
  • Josh Drucker – assistant mixing (tracks 1 – 3, 5 – 10)
  • Brian Gardner – mastering (track 1)
  • Brandon Harding – assistant engineering (track 10), assistant recording (track 3)
  • Jordan Lewis – additional recording (track 5), assistant recording (tracks 1 – 4, 6), assistant mixing (track 7)
  • Carlos "Los da Mystro" McKinney – producer (track 3)
  • Terius "The-Dream" Nash – producer (tracks 1 – 10), programming, sequencing (tracks 3, 7, 8)
  • Bart Schoudel – vocal production (tracks 1 – 3, 7, 9, 10), engineering (tracks 1, 3, 7 – 10), additional recording (tracks 2, 4)
  • Felix Snow – producer, mixer (track 11)
  • Brian "B-LUV" Thomas – engineering (tracks 2, 3, 5, 6), additional recording (tracks 1, 3)
  • Christopher "Tricky" Stewart – producer (tracks 1 – 10), programming, sequencing (tracks 3, 7 – 10)
  • Pat Thrall – additional editing (track 1)
  • Brent Paschke – guitar (tracks 1, 10)
  • Bianca Puente – assistant engineering (track 8), additional recording (track 5), assistant recording (tracks 2, 4, 6)
  • Stevy Pyne – guitar (track 3)
  • Eddie Smith III – additional programming (tracks 10)
  • Chris "TEK" O'Ryan – vocal production (tracks 4 – 6, 11), engineer (track 11), additional recording (tracks 2, 4 – 6), guitar (track 4)
  • Nick Valentin – assistant engineering (track 1), assistant recording (track 1)
  • Andrew Wuepper – mixing (tracks 1 – 3, 5 – 10)

Charts

Chart (2014) Peak
position
Australian Urban Albums (ARIA)[50] 16
scope="row" Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[45] 156
scope="row" French Albums (SNEP)[46] 108
scope="row" Irish Albums (IRMA)[43] 39
scope="row" Korean International Albums (Gaon)[51] 34
scope="row" Scottish Albums (OCC)[52] 19
scope="row" Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[47] 95
scope="row" UK Albums (OCC)[53] 17
scope="row" UK Digital Albums (OCC)[54] 23

Release history

Country Date Version Format Label Ref
Germany October 17, 2014
  • Standard
  • Deluxe
Sony Music [48]
Ireland
[12]
France October 20, 2014
[55]
Spain
[56]
United Kingdom RCA
[57]
Italy October 21, 2014 Sony Music
[58]
Brazil
[59]
Poland
[60]
Australia October 24, 2014
[61]

See also

References

  1. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bang-single/id950398413
  2. ↑ Corner, Lewis (March 8, 2013). "Nicole Scherzinger 'didn't want to rush-release album for X Factor'". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
  3. ↑ Eames, Tom (March 17, 2013). "Justin Timberlake keeps UK singles No.1 for third week with 'Mirrors'". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
  4. ↑ Copsey, Robert (March 12, 2013). "Exclusive: Nicole Scherzinger on new album: 'It takes no prisoners'". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
  5. 1 2 Eames, Tom (April 10, 2013). "Nicole Scherzinger 'having doubts over X Factor, clashes with album'". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  6. ↑ Fletcher, Alex (May 22, 2013). "'X Factor' judges confirmed: Sharon Osbourne returns". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger interview: 'I've scrapped five whole albums'". Digital Spy.
  8. ↑ Copsey, Robert (February 19, 2013). "Nicole Scherzinger signs new record deal, confirms album release". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger keeps it 'raw and real' as she returns to day job with new single Your Love". News.com.au. News Corp Australia. May 28, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  10. ↑ Stern, Bradley (September 16, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger Reveals Tracklisting For Upcoming Album Via Instagram". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
  11. ↑ Wass, Mike (September 16, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger's Sophomore LP Is Called 'Big Fat Lie': Check Out The Sexy Cover & Deluxe Tracklist". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "Music – Big Fat Lie (Deluxe) by Nicole Scherzinger". iTunes Store (Ireland). Apple Inc. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
  13. 1 2 "Nicole Scherzinger Tells Us About 'Your Love', New Album And How To Get The Scherzy Bod!". Capital FM. July 15, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  14. ↑ Corner, Lewis (June 21, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger interview: 'I've scrapped five whole albums'". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  15. ↑ Scum, David (June 13, 2014). "Alan Carr: Chatty Man on Channel 4 tonight with Pharrell Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Phillip Schofield & Cher Lloyd". Scunthorpe Telegraph. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger & Enrique Iglesias Sizzle At Isle Of MTV". MTV UK. Viacom International Media Networks. June 26, 2014. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger Performs 'Run' on 'Access Hollywood Live'". Rap-Up. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  18. ↑ Walker, John (October 6, 2014). "I Survived A Spin Class Taught By Nicole Scherzinger". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved October 8, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger dans "Touche pas à mon poste" : malaise sur le plateau" (in French). Pure Charts by Charts in France. October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 8, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger". HMV. October 9, 2014. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  21. ↑ Agius, Nicola (October 22, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger steps out in plunging skin-tight faux leather dress before performing in crop top at MOBO Awards". Daily Mail. DMG Media. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Adrenaline festival – Concerts in Baku – CityLife.az". citylife.az.
  23. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger s'éclate au NRJ Music Tour de...". nrj.fr.
  24. ↑ Energy Zürich. "Nicole Scherzinger". energy.ch.
  25. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger News and Photos – Perez Hilton". perezhilton.com.
  26. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger : Ultra Hot Pour Son Nouveau Clip "bang" !". Public.fr.
  27. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger and Jennifer Lopez perform at Sanjay Hinduja's wedding – Daily Mail Online". Mail Online.
  28. ↑ "Your Love (2014) – Nicole Scherzinger" (in Dutch). 7digital (NL-BE). Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  29. ↑ Feeney, Nolan (May 29, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger's "Your Love" Arrives Just in Time for Summer". Time. Time Inc. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  30. ↑ Wass, Mike (August 18, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger Reveals Eye-Popping "On The Rocks" Single Cover". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  31. ↑ Bobb, Maurice (June 9, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger Heats Things Up With 'Your Love' Video: Watch Now". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Music — Run — Single by Nicole Scherzinger". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple Inc. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  33. ↑ "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on September 27, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  34. ↑ O'Mance, Brad (September 26, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger's 'Run' has been confirmed as her new US-only single". Popjustice. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  35. ↑ "Music – On the Rocks – Single by Nicole Scherzinger". iTunes Store (Ireland). Apple Inc. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  36. ↑ Newman, Melinda (August 26, 2014). "Listen to Nicole Scherzingers latest tune, On The Rocks". HitFix. HitFix. Inc. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger's "On The Rocks": How Did This Happen?". MuuMuse. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  38. ↑ "Video: Nicole Scherzinger – 'On the Rocks'". Rap-Up. September 5, 2014. Retrieved October 8, 2014.
  39. 1 2 Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. "Big Fat Lie – Nicole Scherzinger". AllMusic. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  40. 1 2 Corner, Lewis (October 17, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger: Big Fat Lie album review – Not quite so Schamazing". Digital Spy (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  41. 1 2 "Nicole Scherzinger 'Big Fat Lie' – First Listen!". MTV UK. Viacom International Media Networks. October 8, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  42. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger: Big Dat Lie". The Times. October 18, 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2014.
  43. 1 2 "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 43, 2014". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  44. ↑ "Ben Howard scores first Number 1 album with I Forget Where We Were". Official Charts Company. October 26, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  45. 1 2 "Ultratop.be – Nicole Scherzinger – Big Fat Lie" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  46. 1 2 "Lescharts.com – Nicole Scherzinger – Big Fat Lie". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
  47. 1 2 "Swisscharts.com – Nicole Scherzinger – Big Fat Lie". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  48. 1 2 "Big Fat Lie: Nicole Scherzinger: Music" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  49. 1 2 Big Fat Lie (Media notes). Nicole Scherzinger. RCA Records.
  50. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Issue 1288 – Week Commencing 3 November 2014" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. p. 19. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
  51. ↑ "South Korea Gaon International Album Chart". On the page, select "2014.10.19~2014.10.25", then "국외", to obtain the corresponding chart. Gaon Chart Retrieved November 19, 2014.
  52. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  53. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart
  54. ↑ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  55. ↑ "Big Fat Lie (Deluxe) [Explicit]: Nicole Scherzinger: Téléchargements MP3" (in French). Amazon.fr. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  56. ↑ "Big Fat Lie (Deluxe) [Explicit]: Nicole Scherzinger: Tienda MP3" (in Spanish). Amazon.es. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  57. ↑ "Music – Big Fat Lie (Deluxe) by Nicole Scherzinger". iTunes Store (Great Britain). Apple Inc. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
  58. ↑ "Big Fat Lie (Deluxe) [Explicit]: Nicole Scherzinger: Musica Digitale" (in Italian). Amazon.it. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  59. ↑ "iTunes – Música – Big Fat Lie (Deluxe) de Nicole Scherzinger" (in Portuguese). Sony Music. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
  60. ↑ "Nicole Scherzinger ujawnia szczegóły pierwszej płyty w Sony Music!" (in Polish). Sony Music Poland. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  61. ↑ "Buy Big Fat Lie Nicole Scherzinger, Pop, CD". Sanity. Retrieved October 6, 2014.

External links

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